Kylie Frey – Rodeo Roots and Country Roads
From Louisiana rodeo arenas to Nashville stages, Kylie Frey blends her equestrian heritage with heartfelt country music, crafting songs that resonate with emotional depth.
Born on March 3, 1995, in Opelousas, Louisiana, Kylie Frey grew up immersed in the rodeo lifestyle. A third-generation rodeo participant, she was named Louisiana High School Rodeo Queen at 15 and won the state championship for goat-tying at 16. Music was always present, with family road trips soundtracked by artists like Lee Ann Womack, Wynonna Judd, and Shania Twain.
Despite a childhood lisp and limited vocal range, Frey was drawn to songwriting. At 16, attending the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, she was inspired by Lisa Carver’s storytelling prowess, prompting her to pursue music more seriously.
Frey’s initial foray into music involved writing songs as an emotional outlet. Her early compositions were, by her own admission, rudimentary, but they laid the foundation for her evolving artistry. She began performing at local venues, gradually building a following with her authentic country sound.
In 2014, she released her debut album, Cinderella Dreams, marking her official entry into the music industry. The album showcased her storytelling abilities and deep connection to traditional country themes.
Frey gained national attention as a finalist on USA Network’s Real Country in 2018, where she was mentored by Shania Twain. Her performance of “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks earned her 4.5 stars from the studio audience, a $10,000 prize, and a spot at the Stagecoach Festival.
This exposure led to increased opportunities, including opening for established artists and expanding her fan base. Her time on Real Country solidified her reputation as a rising star with genuine country roots.
Frey’s single “Spur of the Moment” became her fourth No. 1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report, setting a record as the fastest-rising No. 1 by a female in chart history. The song, co-written with Leslie Satcher, reflects her rodeo background and personal experiences.
Collaborations have been a significant part of Frey’s career. She teamed up with Bri Bagwell for a country rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” which topped the Texas charts. Additionally, she contributed background vocals to Cody Johnson’s Human: The Double Album, further cementing her place in the country music community.
In 2022, she released her EP Rodeo Queen, which included a reimagined version of her early single “One Night in Tulsa” and the fan-favourite track “I Do Thing.” The project was praised for its honesty and modern-traditional fusion. Critics noted that Frey had found a balance between honouring her country roots and expanding her stylistic range.
Frey has often credited her songwriting influences to the strong female voices of 90s country. Artists like Reba McEntire and Patty Loveless were formative in shaping her lyrical perspective—resilient, emotive, and steeped in realism. She has said that her goal is to tell the truth, even if it’s hard, and that principle underpins much of her catalogue.
To read the full article, see our last issue here.
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